Mohamed J. Conteh - Freetown, Sierra Leone - In a historic address to the nation, His Excellency President Dr. Julius Maada Bio has officially proclaimed the 2025 Population and Housing Census (PHC), set to take place from December 2 to 15, 2025. This significant announcement follows the successful enactment of Statutory Instrument No. 8 of 2024, which was laid in Parliament on August 8, 2024, and became effective on August 29, 2024.

In his address, President Bio emphasized the importance of the upcoming Census, noting its role in shaping the country's developmental trajectory. "The data from this decennial Census in 2025 will guide the implementation of various development programmes, primarily the 2024 – 2030 Medium Term National Development Plan and our efforts to achieve the global Sustainable Development Goals," he said.

This decennial Census follows the 2021 Mid-Term Population and Housing Census, which President Bio stated was crucial for preparing the nation for the upcoming event. He highlighted Sierra Leone's longstanding tradition of conducting censuses, with the first recorded census dating back to 1802. More modern censuses were conducted in 1963, 1974, 1985, 2004, and 2015, and the 2025 Census will continue this legacy.

One of the standout features of the 2025 Census will be the use of Computer-Assisted Personal Interviews (CAPI), a method previously employed during the 2021 Mid-Term Census. This modern approach is expected to enhance data collection and accuracy.

The President assured citizens that his government is fully committed to ensuring the success of the Census, pledging significant financial and logistical support. He acknowledged the crucial role of international partners, including the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa (UNECA), the United States Census Bureau, and USAID, who will provide technical and operational assistance.

President Bio also outlined the official timeline for the Census, declaring December 1, 2025, as Census Night, with the actual enumeration beginning the following day, December 2, 2025. Statistics Sierra Leone, under the Ministry of Planning and Economic Development, will oversee the general supervision and management of the Census.

In closing, the President urged all citizens to participate fully in this critical national exercise, stating, "Through statistical insights derived from this Census, we will track our progress and identify challenges crucial to our national development agenda."

As the country prepares for this vital undertaking, the 2025 Population and Housing Census promises to provide essential data for Sierra Leone’s continued progress toward its development goals and international commitments.